I certainly hope that people aren’t going out of style. I’m fond of my species and would hate to see all of us be doomed to obsolescence or obscurity.

The portents aren’t good. Consider the current trends. Teachers are replaced by computers and online courses. Doctors are allowed fifteen minutes with their patients, and the patients get a carload of pills to replace the lost time with the physicians. Cars will soon drive themselves and drones will deliver packages. A check out kiosk replaces the desk staff at the library. Robots are rampant, working in factories, hospitals, warehouses and myriad other workplaces.

By becoming addicted to social media, people further their own irrelevance. How many Facebook friends would give generously of their time, talent or energy to help an online “friend”? Being a friend means being there for others, and the thought of doing that for 600 people is nonsensical.

The start of a New Year is an optimistic time, a clean page. In that spirit, I offer this wise observation by the late film critic Roger Ebert. We can make this the year of the people.

“I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try.”
― Roger Ebert

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1 Comment for this entry

Perhaps medical doctors have been overrated. Our lives have been extended by science and engineering. And both have brought us the Internet, giving us vast powers to research and talk through issues with others. I’ve been enriched by all Forum Members (of various topics) all my adult life! They helped me found a school for low income people and have fueled my profession as a happy tech writer. And now, together with the members of the LetsKickScoot.com Forum, perhaps we can introduce new, more efficient and economical ways to commute and have fun. I’m up for 2014, 2015, and all the rest. … bless you and Russ!

Greetings and welcome...

The Suitcase Lady Blog is now in its thirteenth year. I am obviously a believer in these words from E. B. White. "We should all do what, in the long run, gives us joy, even if it is only picking grapes or sorting the laundry." Thank you for reading the writing that I delight in doing.